Christian/Newsom Murders – George Thomas Retrial, Day 4

I am still so miffed about losing all the testimony of ME, Dr. Mileusnic-Polchan.

From the testimony at previous trials:

WARNING, extremely disturbing!!!

Dr. Mileusnic-Polchan said Newsom’s body was face up, badly charred and a belt bound his feet. “The body was subjected to high heat.” Newsom’s upper body was more burned. His ankles weren’t burned, but they were charred. In fact, Newsom’s body was so charred, he was almost unrecognizable.

Newsom was repeatedly raped with a foreign object just an hour or two before he was killed. She described the condition of Newsom’s anal area as having tears and lots of bruising.

“This is not just a rape,” she said. “This is the blunt trauma where an object comes in contact and severely damages the tissue. The depth of the injury was so grave there was no way that just the regular rape could inflict this.”

He was then blindfolded, gagged by a sock being shoved in his mouth, arms tied behind his back, his bare feet bound and his head covered. He was either led or dragged to a set of railroad tracks. He was shot in the back of the head, the neck, and the back, and his body set on fire.

Dr. Mileusnic-Polchan said the gunshot to Newsom’s head caused “instantaneous death.” There was also blunt trauma to his head, perhaps from hitting the ground after being shot.

Channon death came after hours of sexual torture. Christian suffered horrific injuries to her vagina, anus, and mouth. Her top lip frenulum was torn.

She was not only raped, but also savaged with ‘an object’.

Dr. Mileusnic-Polchan said Christian had tears, bruising and swelling in her vaginal and anal areas, as well as signs of blunt force trauma.

She was not only brutally raped; she was then kicked repeatedly in the vaginal area. She also suffered blows to the head, bruising on her arms indicate she was grabbed by force and she had carpet burns on her back. She also had hemorrhages on both sides of the top of her head. They were severe, but not the cause of death.

Bleach was poured down her throat. This was while Christian was alive. She was then bound in a fetal position with curtains and strips of bedding so tightly her knees were touching her cheeks. Her face was covered with a small white trash bag and her body placed inside five black trash bags before being placed inside a large trashcan and covered with sheets. Christian died slowly by asphyxia with her eyes open.

Christian was wearing only a sweatshirt and camisole.

Day 4

All parties are in place.

Court begins at 9:05.

Both sides stipulate that the 4 Runner had a sunroof.

Leland Price enters a few more pieces of evidence.

State rests!

Jury sent out so the jury instructions can be finalized.

Johnson asks for an acquittal based on there is no evidence that Mr. Thomas committed any crime and that Ethel Freeman was mentioned during the case, but she was not called to testify.

Judge denies motion.

Thomas placed under oath and takes the stand.

Dillard asks if he knows he doesn’t have to testify, do you understand? Yes.

You understand you have the right to testify if you so choose? Yes.

Thomas waived the right to testify.

Defense will not offer any proof.

Jury brought back and the defense rests.

Jury again sent out so instructions can be finalized.

Two items are addressed, one was a typo and one was an instruction the defense didn’t want, but the judge overruled.

Both sides approved the verdict form.

Dillard tells Judge Kurtz he and Johnson will split the defense closing.

Judge agrees.

Court on a 10-minute recess and then the State will begin closing arguments.

Courts resumes at 9:34.

TaKisha tells the jury they asked what crimes were committed.

She discusses that fact the 4 Runner was stolen and at gunpoint.

The fact Channon was murdered.

Aggravated rape was proven.

Aggravated theft.

Premeditated murder because once Channon was bound and the plastic bag placed over her head and stuffed in the garbage bags and placed in the trashcan the intent was she would suffocate.

She details the crimes against Chris.

The State believes Thomas promoted and aided in the commission of the crimes.

Thomas was in the home before and after the crimes.

Thomas then fled to Kentucky.

Thomas’ own statement contains several versions.

Thomas says he woke up when the blindfolded kids were brought in and he looked out the sunroom and said nice ride. Did he leave if he didn’t want to participate? No he didn’t

His own statement indicates he knew crimes were being committed. He even rode around in the 4 Runner.

Xavier Jenkins told you he saw 4 black males in the 4 Runner.

Thomas was in the house; he heard what was going on.

He fled to Kentucky and still stayed with Cobbins and Coleman. Did he go to the Lebanon police and tell them about the crimes? He had the opportunity to be the eyes and ears, but didn’t.

During questioning he could have helped investigators but he tried to save his buddies.

Johnson up…

The prosecutor just told you a story. You didn’t hear any of that from the witnesses.

George Thomas is not guilty.

You get to decide about the government’s speculation and guesses. That’s a powerful position.

The government pulled out all the stops on this case.

Johnson says Thomas had no criminal intent.

Thomas was not for them jacking the car, he told them to chill. The knowledge of the crime does not make him criminally responsible. He has to act.

Yes he was at the house when they brought in Chris & Channon but mere presence doesn’t make him criminally responsible.

Thomas’ DNA was nowhere.

Johnson really hammering on Thomas’ statement to police. The question is, did you believe it?

Johnson done.

Judge tells the jury they will next hear from Dillard, the State will finish up, and then they will hear the jury instructions

Judge calls a 10-minute break…

Tom Dillard is finishing the defense arguments.

He thanks the jury for their attention.

Says what was done to these kids was awful and they didn’t deserve this.

All the evidence shown in this case doesn’t take away the presumption of Thomas’ innocence.

Thomas didn’t encourage anyone in the crimes.

Just because they were friends doesn’t make Thomas responsible.

Stacy Lawson told you Thomas didn’t have a gun. She even gave him money before she left.

Daphne Sutton went to the house to get her makeup. Thomas was sitting at the TV; He didn’t say anything and didn’t try to stop her from going anywhere.

Now he’s dumping on Daphne for not calling the police.

There is no forensic evidence that ties Mr. Thomas to the horrible crimes were committed.

OMG all ready! I figured I would be able to get back to this trial tomorrow cause yesterday I just couldn’t concentrate!!!! Hopefully the families will get the results that they so deserve!!! For your sake donchais, I’m glad it’s over so quickly!!!

Hang in there darlin’, the jury will do the right thing!!! xoxo

donchais

05/16/2013 at 1:32 pm

TA!

MMD

05/16/2013 at 6:29 pm

Your sandbox has made an executive decision. We are now attending the Donchais University because of the wealth of knowledge you have created getting us all together on your blog. So how does it feel to be not only President but to have a univ. named after you? Have a drink of vodka, calm your nerves and relax. Love ya from all of us XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

David In TN

05/16/2013 at 3:44 pm

The jury has asked to hear Thomas’ statement again. Not a surprise.

donchais

05/16/2013 at 4:30 pm

Thanks David! As you can probably guess…I’m s bit overwhelmed at this point! Too much to do, so little time!

David In TN

05/16/2013 at 5:59 pm

Jamie Satterfield just tweeted that Pizza has been brought in for the jury.

donchais

05/16/2013 at 7:11 pm

Very cool…let’s get ‘er done attitude! Let me know if ya hear we have a verdict please…I’m up to my eyeballs!

truejustice

05/16/2013 at 6:17 pm

Wild About Trial ‏@WildAboutTrial 16s
Just saw one of the next witnesses, a past friend of #JodiArias went into a conference room beside the courtroom. Not sure her name.
Expand Reply Retweet Favorite More

truejustice

05/16/2013 at 6:18 pm

oops – toggling between 2 … and posted on wrong page. Donchais , how in the world do you keep this straight?

donchais

05/16/2013 at 6:48 pm

LOL. At this point not sure I even know my name!

Beans

05/16/2013 at 7:02 pm

thanks donchais and ritanita for all you do.

ritanita

05/16/2013 at 7:06 pm

I am hoping and praying that the jury gets it right. I’ll be on tenterhooks waiting.

David In TN

05/16/2013 at 8:16 pm

The jury is done for the night. They will resume tomorrow at 9 am.

donchais

05/16/2013 at 8:27 pm

TSVM, David!

Robert exits Rotterdam

05/16/2013 at 10:51 pm

Every time I read a description of the horror, I remember a recording of a chief law enforcement officer saying that this was “absolutely not a hate crime.” And, even the parents were asked on camera if it was a “hate crime” and even they were so vacuumed up by the notion of that wording that they insisted that the guy not indicted for this crime- (Eric Boyd I think the name), – was the “one” who had “that” in him. have we brought Why race or age or religion or gender into a “special” category of “hate.” I said so when they were first discussed, If you butcher a small Orthodox Hasidic kid on his way to school, that’s a “hate” crime in my book, the same way doing it to a young girl on the way to Brownie camp.
Well, OJ killing his wife and Ron Goldman was a “hate crime” in my book. So was dragging a man by chain behind a truck. Or doing what was done to Chris or Channon.
I think the effort to classify some acts as more of a crime or less than a crime diminishes thge horror of the act that is the crime.

Robert exits Rotterdam

05/16/2013 at 10:58 pm

MMD :
Your sandbox has made an executive decision. We are now attending the Donchais University because of the wealth of knowledge you have created getting us all together on your blog. So how does it feel to be not only President but to have a univ. named after yo
u? Have a drink of vodka, calm your nerves and relax. Love ya from all of us XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Yeah! Donchais doesn’t have to make herself a “distinguished professor” or “found” a college. The college was NAMED after her by THOSE who instruct there and take classes there. And its not so limited as a “college” but its universality – 25 US States, east and west Canada, west and central Australia, and Eastern Europe make up the people who “founded” the university that built upon the college founded by Donchais . She provided the stimulus, funds, and space . In addition, she insisted upon remaining in the classroom; not just an administrator or fund raiser–a real professor!

MMD :
Your sandbox has made an executive decision. We are now attending the Donchais University because of the wealth of knowledge you have created getting us all together on your blog. So how does it feel to be not only President but to have a univ. named after yo
u? Have a drink of vodka, calm your nerves and relax. Love ya from all of us XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Yeah! Donchais doesn’t have to make herself a “distinguished professor” or “found” a college. The college was NAMED after her by THOSE who instruct there and take classes there. And its not so limited as a “college” but its universality – 25 US States, east and west Canada, west and central Australia, and Eastern Europe make up the people who “founded” the university that built upon the college founded by Donchais . She provided the stimulus, funds, and space . In addition, she insisted upon remaining in the classroom; not just an administrator or fund raiser–a real professor!
Donchais University.
Like it.

Robert – I owe you a MASSIVE apology and I’m really sorry. I could list a bunch of excuses but they don’t matter. I realized this as soon as I shut off my computer soooooooooooo

ROBERT and DONCHAIS – pay attention. 😯

While many are ready to criticize and write letters for various causes I’m a firm believer that letter of praise or credit should always be given when due as well and I didn’t this time.

THE DONCHAIS UNIVERSITY was so named at the suggestion of Robert exits Rotterdam (and is apparently floating somewhere in the universe) and as such should be given the credit!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was his idea and the sandbox ran with it. All were in agreement with not a nay to be heard. Basically it was done by acclamation and deservedly so!!! 😀

So congrats to Donchais for creating this university and Robert for suggesting that we had all learned so much that we have outgrown a school!!!!!! 😀

I am now putting myself in the naughty corner for my transgression ➡ ➡ 😦

MMD

05/17/2013 at 8:56 am

in moderation, sorry donchais but I’m already in the naughty corner 😦

MMD

05/17/2013 at 9:04 am

Donchais, I know that you’re up because you just cleared my post above. Did you get any sleep darlin’ or did you just toss and turn because it is now verdict watch and your heart is aching???? The jury will do the right thing for these horrific crimes. You haven’t been earning all those brownie points for nothing!!! 😯

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}} from all of us at your University. Love ya GF XOXOXO

donchais

05/17/2013 at 10:09 am

I slept well…due to exhaustion, lol. Jury back at work at 9am. Have a reporters Twitter account up, she’s hanging in court. Next really expecting much today just based on the mountain of charges they have to go through, but like I always say, ya never know what a jury will do! Being sequestered can’t be much fun!

MMD

05/17/2013 at 10:32 am

I know it’s 45 charges or something but ya just never know with a jury. I’m sure that even though they were brought in from Nashville, they have still heard about this case and want the scum gone as much as the people of Knoxville.

Is the jury allowed to work over the weekend cause I know they let them in some jurisdictions??????

David In TN

05/17/2013 at 12:11 pm

THERE IS A VERDICT. It will be read after lunch.

MMD

05/17/2013 at 12:13 pm

OK have WBIR and WATE going live. After lunch – how about an exact time!!!!!!!!!! 😦

trialwatch:
Thank you Davidson County, for the loan of these 16 citizens. Hope we can return them to you very soon.

MMD

05/17/2013 at 12:48 pm

trialwatch:
Can we all, please, take a moment or two to recognize the amount of work Ms. Fitzgerald and Mr. Price have done to get this result (yet again)? Please keep them in your hearts.

Jill

05/17/2013 at 12:48 pm

Oh my gosh..how truly emotional to watch the families after the verdict. They might have got some justice from the system, but their lives are forever ruined. No one could continue living a normal life ever again after what happened to their babies. They will suffer here on earth every waking moment until they die. This isn’t something you can ever move on from or put out of your mind..even for a moment. …They will be haunted with the images of their child being brutally and barbarically raped and murdered forever.
I’m so sad and my heart is aching hard for them. Poor, dear family.

truejustice

05/17/2013 at 12:51 pm

omg – got sidetracked on a conf call with my boss.

YA !!!!
I have 3 questions :
1. Was he guilty on all 38 charges ?
2. What was he originally found guilty on
3. What is the schedule for sentencing ?

donchais

05/17/2013 at 12:54 pm

Guilty all 46 charges
the same
expect penalty phase shortly, this afternoon
sentencing in prolly 30 to 60

Have story ready to go up, just waiting for the penalty

MMD

05/17/2013 at 12:56 pm

I hope you and Ritanita are taking very very deep breaths 🙂

MMD

05/17/2013 at 12:58 pm

can we put him in a cell with JA until she gets her needle??????

truejustice

05/17/2013 at 12:58 pm

THX !! There is much for you to celebrate 🙂

Jill

05/17/2013 at 1:02 pm

Oh MMD, that would b so perfect!

MMD

05/17/2013 at 1:18 pm

yeah – no cost to the states involved cause they would kill each other!!!!!!!!!

Jill

05/17/2013 at 12:56 pm

I still can’t get over that this is not on national news! This is just about the worst thing I’ve ever heard of.

I love this judge… juxtaposed with Stephens it is such a refreshing change! Like a sea breeze across ones face!

Jill

05/17/2013 at 1:22 pm

Ty

truejustice

05/17/2013 at 1:22 pm

question : I recently read Thomas confessed to “some girl” that he was
sorry I shot that boy”. Since no one seems to have been directly found guilty (just facilitation of) of newsome rape (wiki) it is believe that Thomas was the one who raped and shot newsome ?

truejustice

05/17/2013 at 1:24 pm

oops .. is it believed ?

donchais

05/17/2013 at 1:26 pm

That story came from Vanessa Coleman, who lied throughout. She probably did that to protect Cobbins.

pity she got a lighter sentence.. I have a feeling she was heavily involved with what happened to Channon. Though I shouldnt be making wild accusation like that I have never read the trial transcript but basing it on circumstances involving group think mentality such as shown in the stanford prison experiment.

donchais

05/17/2013 at 1:40 pm

Most believe her repeated kicking is what did so much damage to her genitals.

vis is going to be hard to watch! Will the pros allow any of the family members who want to speak or only a selection?

donchais

05/17/2013 at 2:24 pm

It is…seen it 6 times already. Usually the parents, although I did see Chris’ sis once. The real killer is Gary Christian. His anger is so powerful…that’s why all the armed guards blocking him from the defendant…afraid he will go into attack mode.

Donchais.. is he the one that sways a lot to try to soothe himself? If so my heart goes out to that man my eyes glisten when I see him like that, knowing the knot that lives inside him, he yearns for a release he knows will never come.

donchais

05/17/2013 at 2:36 pm

yup…we call it Gary’s angry rock! Channon was his baby girl!

He got a little release today…wait till ya see the photo on today’s blog…if we ever finish here, lol.

MMD

05/17/2013 at 2:15 pm

Why can’t I get anything on WATE and WBIR and haven’t been able to for a while????? Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I only have test pattern on wbir… they came back, judge ruled on what was allowed in the VIS, they filed out and it went to this break. Not sure of time before they return guess they are just reorganising the statements in lieu of what was deemed inadmissible.. ie the addressing to Thomas rather than only the jurors.

How do you live knowing that happened to your baby??? knowing what they did. OMG I cannot imagine it..

I have had things to cope with where I felt I could not deal.. seriously could not deal with what I had to… but nothing NOTHING like what they have been given … I am strong and I barely lived through my pain… how I did was thinking of people like them.. of how if they can do it.. I can do it for mine was nothing compared to theirs!

Unimaginable what it is like for him.

Like the Alexanders said yesterday.. reliving it over and over and over in their heads.. a living hell!

g’day all. i like this prosecutor’s style. no bombast, just lays out the horrific facts.

Lisa M

05/17/2013 at 2:59 pm

What they did to Christian defies belief. How could these people have that much hate inside them to do this to another human being. I’ve never heard of torture like this. I don’t even think Satan himself could inflict such torture.

Lisa M

05/17/2013 at 3:03 pm

I firmly believe that God or one of his angels comforts the victim when this kind of thing happens. I do not believe they died alone. I think God comes and rescues them before the actual death.

truejustice :
hey syn .. perfect timing . I was just going to ask you about that. Do you think without the “group” mentality – this would have not occured?

TJ seriously.. read about this experiment in that link… it’s one of the most fascinating incites into human behaviour ever undertaken.. and it had to be stopped early… even those running it were drawn into it and left it going too long. It’s quite terrifying to think of what we all may be capable of.

that would be wonderful! I believe in education.. not for the sake of educating but to learn and grow from and ultimately change that which can be changed if adequately understood.

HJ Madison

05/17/2013 at 4:47 pm

I recall this study vivdly. My mom suffered from diabetes and we had to prick her for a blood sample all the time. I just cringed every time I was tasked and begged my mom to forgive me from hurting her. The day “my personal WOBO” came along and laughed at me while I turned away and told mom how sorry I was to hurt her was the day I realized the trouble that lay ahead! And I was right ….

HJ Madison

05/17/2013 at 4:40 pm

The Jodi show is off the wall — to some degree she suffers from mental illness. But these crimes … these criminals …. there is just nothing to understand in this! Sheer agony for the victims and no one taking any kind of responsibility. Donchais ….. how you can do this, to listen and watch over and over … what must you think of human kind and our future?

donchais

05/17/2013 at 4:43 pm

Hmmm, guess part of the reason I do it is to get it out there to folks so they…hope we all all make a difference to humanity in some way and these things aren’t tolerated!

HJ Madison

05/17/2013 at 5:20 pm

I hardly know what to say! When the Prosecutor just now talked about hope … it would be so easy to loose all hope when time and time again you withstand this process and these trials. Your contribution is so important! And much more than most any one could endure. Thank you!

donchais

05/17/2013 at 5:24 pm

These kids and their families deserved so much more and now they don’t get it. It’s time the insanity stops and we start holding criminals to the toughest standards and stop coddling them after they commit the unthinkable…big or small!

Thanks for yall’s response to my question. Now I have to say I am a little disappointed in the sentence.
😦

Beans

05/17/2013 at 5:59 pm

donchais, please tell us this is over. no more appeals. no more testimony about anal rape, multiple vaginal kicks, bleach in the mouth to destroy evidence, heartbroken parents having to make statements. this has to end.